Malaysia has imposed a new tax on sweetened beverages that exceed a specified level of sugar. The move aims to fight rampant obesity and diabetes in the Southeast Asian country. Studies suggest Malaysians are the most overweight people among ASEAN nations with almost half the population being overweight or obese. Although the tax is hardly going to change that picture overnight, health policy specialists say it's a good start. Rian Maelzer reports from Kuala Lumpur.

Where once obesity would have been rare in this tropical country, it is now the norm, and it's placing a heavy burden on people's health and Malaysia's health care system.

To try to reverse the trend, the government has imposed a tax of 10 cents per liter on sugary drinks such as sodas, but also fruit juices. The tax is imposed at the importer and manufacturer level.

AZRUL KHALIB GALEN CENTRE FOR HEALTH & SOCIAL POLICY "It is something of an incentive for manufacturers to consciously reduce the levels of sugar in their individual products rather than depend on consumers themselves reducing their sugar intake, which is unreliable and does not produce the kind of outcomes that we would want to see in addressing this crisis that we have in Malaysia."

Some manufacturers confirm they will reformulate their beverages to avoid the tax. But it's still only a start.

RIAN MAELZER KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA "The vast majority of sugary drinks that Malaysians regularly consumed are made on premises, like the traditional teh tarik or pulled tea, which is made with lashings of condensed milk."

DR. DZULKEFLY AHMAD MALAYSIAN HEALTH MINISTER "As well, we go on a road show, massive campaign to educate on why to avoid sugary drinks in light of overweight and obesity, and that is the way forward for us -- from the demand side and from the supply side."

It will take time to change people's tastes and behavior.

AZRUL KHALIB GALEN CENTRE FOR HEALTH & SOCIAL POLICY "This move is a timely and innovative approach to try to address the issue of obesity in Malaysia in a very sustainable and long-term manner."

To try to get Malaysians on track for a more healthy diet and lifestyle. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur.